#culture

There are many reasons why tourists choose to come to Jamaica, and the culture is absolutely one of them. There is something different about Jamaica, something that undoubtedly draws visitors to our shores time and time again. The moment you step on Jamaican soil, you feel the atmosphere. This energy is unmatched. And the truth is, no matter how much you read about it, nothing can compare to experiencing it yourself.

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The local language, Fatwa which is the spoken language in Jamaica (while English is the official language) sounds like a tulip dialect that sounds like a language that is made up of strong African roots and western influences of English, French and Spanish.

​To feel the vibe and the local culture you have to go to the authentic places which are usually outside the luxurious resorts. Going to an attraction in Jamaica will show you the hidden beauty of this amazing island. Feel free to give yourself completely to the music, to the vibe, to the bassline and be under a sweet euphoria. Even for those who don't know the local music, you totally recommend going to the party if you get the chance.

​The attraction to the alluring and fascinating island is not only because of the clear blue water and the crazy views, the excellent food and the perfect weather, it is the charm of the people in Jamaica that will keep you coming back for more.

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Bob Marley's famous words, "every little thing is going to be alright" is a lifestyle that Jamaicans really apply in their private lives and really try to take advantage and celebrate every moment in life. No matter what difficulties may be lurking beneath the surface, the locals will always find a way to smile, dance and be happy in their part.

Jamaicans are very special people who are full of self-pride and confidence, they are humorous, happy and will always be happy to start a conversation with someone who is willing to talk to them. The Jamaican vibe is basically the colorful and opinionated character that automatically stands out when you have any interaction with locals. Jamaicans know how to cherish life and really take advantage of every moment without much worry.

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​#music

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One of the main reasons that make Jamaica a mecca for music lovers is the fact that Jamaican music has influenced many international styles that we know today, and of course the real importance of music in Jamaica.

​When you say Jamaica, you immediately think of the icon Bob Marley and in general the special music that comes from this island. But most tourists who do not know the reality of the island today are surprised to find out that not much reggae is actually played in Jamaica... Dancehall is the dominant style that plays in the dance squares, (in fatwa: DansDance -) and dominates the island.

​Music in Jamaica is absolutely an integral part found in every situation you can ever imagine on this magical island. Jamaicans are big music lovers and really enjoy celebrating life and being happy. The local culture will invite you to enjoy the local vibe with the help of the music, to let loose and feel free when you are on the island.

Don't miss the opportunity to go to a local party or attend a nice dance class, including enjoying the unique soundtrack of Jamaica.

​​​#Weather

​The climate of Jamaica is mostly warm tropical and influenced by the sea and the northeast winds. Along the coasts of the island the temperatures range from 22 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius, they drop slightly in the interior of the country in relation to the altitude. The Jamaican climate often has high temperatures, at sea level the average maximum temperatures never fall below 30°C.

The rainiest and more humid months are those between May and October, but rain can fall all year round, between June and November hurricanes may also occur. Jamaica compared to other islands in the Caribbean is not much damaged by the hurricanes that pass through the island area or close to it that come from the east or southeast.

​The average annual precipitation is 2,100 mm, but in the northeastern regions it also reaches 3,300 mm. On the slopes of the mountains near Port Antonio (PORT ANTONIO) there are average rainfall values that exceed 6,000 mm per year. The driest areas of the island are the southern coast, where the capital Kingston is located, and the northwestern coast between MONTEGO BAY* and DISCOVERY BAY BAY).In the capital, Kingston, about 750 mm of rain falls annually. Jamaica's sea water temperature ranges from 26 °C in January, February and March, and 29 °C in July and August.

The best time to travel to Jamaica is the driest months between December and April. Many tourists come to Jamaica during winter periods especially in their country, so they escape the freezing cold and enjoy the Caribbean sun.

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​​​#nature

Jamaica has a special and breathtaking nature, on any short or long trip you will get to see how the natural beauty of the island really is in every corner. The familiar background of lots of green and special vegetation, with the clear blue water is definitely the hallmark of the island.

Jamaica is called THE LAND OF WOOD AND WATER  for a reason, because really everywhere you look there is so much to see. Even as a small island, a trip to Jamaica offers so much to nature lovers, so how would you like to start?

​​Water Sources

Despite the tempting and perfect Caribbean Sea, there is no such thing as arriving in Jamaica without also seasoning with sweet and refreshing river/waterfall water. Fresh water sources are found all over the country. There are different types of rivers and waterfalls, some offer a walking trail, sailing on a designed raft or a challenging swim, and some offer an opportunity to dip in the cold water and prepare for the strong current that often resembles a massage.

​Vegetation and Flowers

If you are a lover of flora and flowers, there are several botanical gardens that display a variety of striking plants that celebrate Jamaica's rich agricultural heritage. The island was blessed with sun throughout the year and fertile soil that over the years produced an abundance of plants almost everywhere.

Mountains

The mountains in Jamaica look like they are covered with green trees and flamboyant flowers and chirping birds. A pastoral landscape but so authentically natural and unspoiled. Hiking in Jamaica is an experience not to be missed, most places you will have to travel with a local guide.

Birds

Among Jamaica's many natural treasures is a variety of flowering plants and wildlife, some of which are found nowhere else in the world! With around 200 species of birds, including more endemic ones than any other island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is undoubtedly a must-see for birdwatchers. Don't miss an opportunity to feed Jamaica's national bird HUMMING BIRD (the doctor bird) at gardens such as the Rockland Bird Sanctuary in Montego Bay or Barney's Honey Garden in Negril.

creatures
Beyond the dazzling array of birds, there is much more to Jamaica's wildlife. Snakes, lizards, frogs, iguanas and an American alligator were on the island long before the Spanish arrived. Lizards are easy to find, as many live around homes and gardens, feeding on insects. The alligators live in relatively small numbers in marshy areas such as: Black River (BLACK RIVER), Portmore (PORTMORE), Falmouth (FALMOUTH). In addition, there are more than a dozen different types of small frogs, a hundred different butterflies and 25 species of harmless bats.

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#Ganja

Over the past few years, the global perception around cannabis has changed drastically. Cities, states and even many countries recognize the potential of the plant as a medical tool for chronic pain and anxiety. As the overall acceptance of cannabis increases, concepts such as "cannabis tourism" are becoming especially popular.

The rich culture and history of cannabis in Jamaica make the experience even more powerful that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world who want to relax and enjoy the medical benefits of marijuana in Jamaica.

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A history of cannabis in Jamaica
Cannabis seeds were first brought to Jamaica in the mid-19th century, brought by East Indian laborers brought to the island as indentured servants and plantation workers. The expression "Ganja", the famous name for cannabis in Jamaica, actually comes from India and means "hemp" or "hemp resin" in Hindi and Sanskrit!

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The plant quickly rose in popularity throughout the country and was widely used, but was eventually made illegal with the Ganja Act of 1913. But despite the new regulations, cannabis continued to be popular, especially with the founding of the Rastafari movement in the 1920s. Rastafari is a cultural and religious movement originating in Ethiopia, and its members see cannabis as a sacred plant used for meditation and connection to a deeper faith.

Jamaican ganja did not become known in the world until the legend - Bob Marley, who is undoubtedly the most famous Jamaican in the world. In 1966 Marley converted from Catholicism to Rastafarianism and publicly declared his love for the plant when he said, "When you smoke weed, it reveals you to yourself."

Cannabis laws in Jamaica

Until recently, even a small amount of marijuana was illegal, but the Jamaican government's changes to their Dangerous Drugs Act in 2015 decriminalized cannabis, which is an important step towards legalization, but that doesn't mean smoking is allowed everywhere.

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So what are the exact laws regarding cannabis?
Today, it is allowed to carry up to about 50 grams (2 OUNCE) per person and it is not considered a criminal offense, but you still have to be very careful when smoking or buying cannabis in public.
In Jamaica there are a number of 'remote houses' of medical cannabis which are like luxury lounges where you can go and buy and smoke cannabis there. It is important to remember that when buying, these places are obliged to take personal details from you and sometimes even have a conversation with a doctor who is there to allow you to consume the cannabis.

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#Food

Although we as Israelis are less familiar with Caribbean food, Jamaican food is relatively famous in the world as a particularly delicious ethnic food. The food will be known for being full of strong and fresh seasoning, using a lot of fresh and relatively dry spices, which give a special and strong taste to each dish.
There is no tourist who has never been enthusiastic about jerk (unless he is a vegetarian or vegan), because it is simply a taste (and smell) that cannot be refused. And there's nothing like eating a hot patty when you're desperately trying to clean up all the crumbs that fall on you.
Jamaica of course specializes in seafood and fish. But locals also love chicken and meat, OXTAIL is a very successful and famous dish, CURRY CHICKEN or CURRY GOAT and of course pork is also very popular.
Jamaica also grows a lot of spoiled fruits and vegetables that we don't know about, such as the ackee (ACKEE) which is a fruit that, when not picked in time, can be very poisonous, but it's insanely delicious. It is very worthwhile to try the local fruits at the stalls that you will find everywhere on the island and experiment with textures and flavors that you will never find in Israel.
Growing on the island is relatively healthy because the growing methods in Jamaica are mostly less sprayed or treated with chemicals and relatively organic. And the fact that there is a large use of fresh spices instead of dry already has a big effect on each dish.
Each district in Jamaica has a different specialty for certain dishes, in Boston it is of course the JERK, in Blue Mountain it is the coffee, along the north coast and in Negril you can find seafood and fresh fish that a minute ago swam in the Caribbean Sea, in St. Elizabeth the famous Sherries... and more..

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